Participants and organizers at this past weekend's event Steampunk: Visions of Futures Past say they saw strong interest in a thriving subculture that mixes history with a strong dose of science-fiction fantasy.

"It was very well received," said Seamus McGrann, promotions director for the Hampton History Museum, which hosted the miniature, first-time festival. "We had people from near and far. Probably, over the course of the weekend, about 1,200 people came to see the displays and event."

Seven artists or inventors displayed or demonstrated their wares. Steampunk enthusiasts traveled from Richmond, Fredericksburg and North Carolina to be part of the festivities, which lasted through Sunday.

"Everybody was thrilled that there was something like that in Hampton," said Matt Thomas, who leads the band Uglyography. "I had a lot of fun performing and watching everyone's reactions to what they were seeing, these displays with huge inventions. People walked in there having no idea what to expect. People were saying, 'Wow that was really cool, I'm glad we came in.'"

McGrann said folks who wandered in from the concurrent Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival were pleasantly surprised.

"I overhearded people saying, 'Oh, this is great. Now, I know what steampunk is.' The public had an opportunity to see some great work and it definitely energized the local steampunk community."

McGrann said he foresees the Hampton History Museum serving as a hub for local steampunk activities, including model airship races.